BACK TO SCHOOL

OR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL OR FIRST DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL OR CHANGING SCHOOLS

Generally when kids return to school it is an exciting time, they have all their new school supplies and gear, and hopefully they are ready to catch up with friends after the six-week break. I always spare a thought for the kids and parents who are negotiating either the first day of school, the first day of high school, or changing to a new school. This is a very emotional time, anxiety is usually pretty high, and it usually takes a few weeks to start feeling comfortable, confident and in the new routine. If you and your child/kids are in this transition, be mindful that the stress of situation can cause short fuses or very emotional reactions, so look after each other and reach out for support from other family members, rally the troops around you, just seeing the love and support from family members is important. You do not want your kids thinking they are going through this massive life change alone. Similarly, if you know your grandkids, or your own kids as parents, friends’ kids are making this transition you should reach out and let them know you are thinking of them, keep a positive, exciting vibe, and just be in there corner for the first few weeks. »

GOOD HABITS START EARLY. As a parent you can start creating good eating habits early, you are in control of the lunchbox so ensure you include the things they need before the things they want. You may think it is easy to prepare a sandwich, piece of fruit, small treat and off they go, but try and be mindful of including some sort of veg and dairy along with the fruit so the kids are getting a well-rounded diet. To do this you may need to get creative! Also, the same lunch day in day out can get mundane, so mix it up, sandwich one day, wrap the next, then some crackers or similar. Apple Monday, Banana Tuesday etc. There are some fantastic tips on Nutrition Australia’s website, they run Healthy Lunchbox week Feb 5-11, 2023, but you do not have to wait as there is always content on their website. www.healthylunchboxweek.org or www.nutritionaustralia.org LUNCH BOX TIPS –• Easy to open containers—not cling wrap.

The easier it is to get to the food the better. • Always include a drink bottle, ideally full of water. If your kids can take water to the sporting oval, they will drink rather than having to stop playing and run to a tap. Also, water is best for them so do not be swayed into cordials and soft drinks in the water bottles. • A mix of cut fruits like watermelon, rock melon, strawberries, and then regular blue berries etc in an easy to open container is enticing, bite size pieces. • Do not pack the lunchbox with too many options, that generally leads to waste. Just include the goods you want them to eat. You can have a variety like above mix of fruits, which can include five things, but in one container so it is their fruit for the day, rather than an apple, a banana and an orange and then letting them pick.

MAKE SCHOOL FUN. Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time at school so we may as well make it as exciting and interesting as possible. Easier said than done? Well one of the best ways to get kids excited about school is for you to get excited and involved in their schooling. Being interested in their curriculum, asking questions, being positive about assignments and tasks, checking in, and staying up to date with daily assignments, results and achievements is a wonderful way to stay in a positive mindset. DAILY INTERACTION. Many parents hang back and let the teachers do the work, only taking interest in the report card, but that leaves a lot of time in between when the kids are often working things out, not sure, not confident, any guidance you can give boosts their confidence and they know they can turn to you for help. OPPORTUNITY. It is their turn to shine. School years are the first foundations for their lives, and this should be seen as an opportunity to maximise talents and skills - we may find their interests not in line with our own, but it is their turn to shine so encourage their interests and talents. This understanding can also be applied to many things, you may not want them to have their friends over, but that social connection is important for them, you may not like a modern music, but they do, so do not push your likes onto them. Its okay for religion or core family beliefs to be prioritised but the lesser stuff, let them find their own way.